Men

Messi and Argentina expect classic quarterfinal against old rivals Netherlands

AL RAYYAN, Qatar - Argentina captain Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni predicted a tough but beautiful encounter with the Netherlands when the sides meet in Friday's World Cup quarterfinal.

Argentina beat Australia 2-1 while the Netherlands defeated the United States 3-1 on Saturday to set up a tantalizing clash between two of the great teams of world football who famously met in the 1978 World Cup final which the South Americans won.

Best is yet to come from USMNT, but exposed shortcomings must be resolved before 2026

DOHA - A fresh-faced United States squad arrived in Qatar with modest expectations and although they may leave with a sense of disappointment after another last-16 exit, their performances offered hope of a longer run when they co-host the 2026 tournament.

After an encouraging group campaign, a young team brimming with confidence entered the knockout phase believing they could deliver another plot twist in a tournament where underdogs have consistently punched above their weight.

Pelé is in 'stable condition' according to hospital amid concerns of soccer legend's health

SAO PAULO — Brazilian soccer great Pelé remains in stable condition after being hospitalized this week as he battles colon cancer, a hospital medical report said on Saturday.

Pelé, 82, has also responded well to treatment for a respiratory infection diagnosed this week and his condition has not worsened in the last 24 hours, medical staff at Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Hospital said.

Pelé - one of the greatest footballers of all time if not the greatest - was admitted to hospital on Tuesday to re-evaluate his cancer treatment.

Messi celebró su partido 1.000 con un gol, un par de récords y un boleto a los cuartos de final

Lionel Messi desbloqueó un nuevo obstáculo en su sueño de ganar la Copa del Mundo con Argentina. Pese a complicarse más de la cuenta, La Albiceleste se las arregló para vencer a Australia por 2-1 y avanzó a los cuartos de final del Mundial de Catar 2022 con el 10 como figura angular. 

Gol de Messi vs Australia

Uno de los goles del triunfo lo anotó precisamente Messi y en honor a las circunstancias no fue cualquier gol.

Messi surpasses Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo with goal in knockout round

Lionel Messi moved above compatriot Diego Maradona on all-time World Cup goals for Argentina with his ninth on Saturday during a Round of 16 clash against Australia, and he accomplished what Cristiano Ronaldo has not in five different World Cups — Messi scored in the knockout rounds.

Australia was a massive underdog heading into this one, but the Socceroos' defensive approach had largely nullified Argentina for half an hour.

Missed chances and missed marks — 3 Takeaways from USA defeat to Netherlands

The USA’s 2022 World Cup run ended in the Round of 16 on Saturday with a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands. It’s a game that could have ended differently for the Stars and Stripes who simply weren’t at their best.

This youthful American team will be disappointed in the loss but should be proud of their performances in the tournament. This team went undefeated in the group stage, outplayed mighty England and was the only Concacaf team to advance to the Round of 16.

For one last time let’s look at the three takeaways from the USA’s final game.

USMNT starting 11 vs. Netherlands confirmed: Pulisic in, Sargent out

The USMNT starting 11 vs Netherlands has been confirmed with Christian Pulisic returning to the lineup after being forced off with a pelvic contusion against Iran last time out. Josh Sargent, however, still hasn't fully recovered from his ankle injury (he's unavailable for selection) and the starting striker claim goes to Jesús Ferreira (his first appearance).

Del peor al mejor: Ránking de los jugadores de México en el Mundial

El fracaso de México en el Mundial no se puede borrar, pero antes de darle vuelta a la página es tiempo de hacer evaluaciones.

 Y es en ese ánimo que revisamos partidos y estadísticas para hacer un ránking con la performance de cada uno de los jugadores que tuvieron la oportunidad de jugar en Catar.

En total, 21 de los 26 nominados vieron minutos en el torneo. Los que se quedaron con las ganas fueron los arqueros Alfredo Talavera y Rodolfo Cota, los defensas Johan Vásquez y Gerardo Arteaga, así como el mediocampista Luis Romo.

Vincent Aboubakar accepts red card with a smile after scoring winning goal vs. Brazil and taking his shirt off

Scoring a last-minute winning goal against Brazil is not a usual achievement among soccer players, but Cameroonian captain Vincent Aboubakar can scratch that from his bucket list. The striker bagged a header in the 93rd minute during the last match of Group H in the 2022 World Cup and celebrated accordingly by taking his shirt off.

OFFICIAL: Christian Pulisic cleared to play vs. Netherlands on Saturday

The U.S. men's national team said Friday that forward Christian Pulisic will play in Saturday's Round of 16 World Cup match against the Netherlands in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

The hero of Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Iran to advance out of Group B and into the knockout stage, Pulisic had been counting on playing all along. The team confirmed in a social media post on Friday afternoon that he, indeed, would play.

Pages